Taekwondo Bamboo Hogu (Body Protective Gear)

As a result of continuous gyeorugi (sparring) competitions, foot techniques have developed tremendously. This is because of the knowledge that the destructive power of attacks using feet is 4 times as strong as that of those using fists. Thus, this led to the development of hogu (body protective gear). The first developed hogu was for Kendo, and was not suitable for Taekwondo. As it was too sturdy, people would often break their hands or toes. Therefore, there was a need to develop hogu that would be suitable for Taekwondo. After much deliberation and research, the bamboo hogu was made. After receiving approval from the Korea Taekwondo Association, the bamboo hogu began to see use starting from 1963.